Q&A: Guerrero, post-Mayweather, wants Ortiz

Guerrero (31-2-1, 18 knockouts) had won 15 consecutive fights, having previously lost by a split decision to Gamaliel Diaz in December 2005 only to win their rematch with a sixth-round knockout the following June.

A former featherweight and junior lightweight titleholder, Guerrero now looks to bounce back from his high-profile setback.

Robert Guerrero: I know that I can compete with the best fighters in the world. I learned a lot in this fight in the fact that I gained a lot of experience on what it will take to fight a guy who never stops moving around the ring.

RingTV.com: Did the intensity of the promotion have any effect on you?

RG: No, not at all. I knew, coming in, that there would be a lot of media requests. It was time consuming, but I knew it was something I was going to have to do.

RingTV.com: I say this, because, at one point, you were telling a publicist on video that you wanted to get back to training, so were any of the commitments disruptive?

RG: Yeah, I wanted to get back to training. All we fighters want to stay in the gym before a big fight. That’s what we do, we train. Ask any fighter if they want or would rather train or do interviews, and they will all say train.

But I knew these media requests were part of the territory. But I would not say they were disruptive because I knew I had to do them.

RingTV.com: Was there anything about Floyd’s style, power, elusiveness that surprised you?

RG: His speed and elusiveness was what I expected. I just thought he would stand his ground more, but he was on his bike for most of the fight. He’s a great fighter, and I take nothing away from his win over me.

RingTV.com: Is there anything that you would do differently in the fight if you could?

RG: Yeah, I would have used my jab more, maybe let him come forward and walk him into shots. But, hey, I’m a fighter. I like to grind it out. So I pushed the fight.

RingTV.com: Would you change anything about the way you attacked Mayweather, cut off the ring more, etc.?

RG: Of course. If we fought again, I would do a lot of things different. I had a great two first rounds, but didn’t change pace. He is a very good fighter, and I want a rematch once I earn it by beating a few of the top welterweights.

RingTV.com: What have you been doing with yourself, family, etc., since the fight?

RG: I’ve just been spending a lot of time with my wife and kids. I had a very busy last 12 months and a nice break was needed. I’m truly blessed, and can’t complain about anything. We’ve just been doing some traveling and stuff like that.

RingTV.com: Are you better for the experience, and, if so, in what ways?

RG: Yeah, the whole experience is going to make me a better fighter moving forward, because I know what it’s like to fight at the highest level in sports. I’ll be ready the next time around, and moving forward, I’m ready to fight the best.

RingTV.com: Where do you go from here?

RG: I’m ready to fight the best possible opponents out there. I know my managers are starting to put some things together, and when they let me know what’s up, I’ll be ready.

RingTV.com: Who would you like to fight next?

RG: I want to fight Victor Ortiz, and that fight can be made since we both have the same promoter (Golden Boy). I think that’s a fight the fans would want to see. If not him, then any one of the champions at 147.

RingTV.com: Would you like to be on the Mayweather-Alvarez card?

RG: If my managers feel that is the best move for my career, then yeah, why not? I’ll be ready to fight as soon as they let me know when.